Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Success Story

Have you ever had one of those moments where you look around a room, take stock of everything and realise how lucky you are? Well I truly had one of those moments on Saturday evening. I have been mentioning for a while about a fundraiser I was organising for Arthritis Care and the event, I am pleased to say, was an absolute success. I really couldn’t believe the amount of support I had from local and not so local people this weekend. I had been dreading for a while that only a handful of people would turn up and my efforts would have been wasted and my target would not be met. But I am so happy to say my fears were unfounded.

I stood on the stage, shaking with microphone in hand, staring at the beautiful faces in front of me in complete shock. I had to make a speech about why we were all there and try and thank people for their amazing support. My voice trembled and I was close to tears as I realised what truly amazing friends and family stood before me. After all the low points in my life, that moment made it all worth it. It is incredible to feel so lucky that people went out of their way to show their support for the charity and me.

I spent the day as a nervous wreck, stressed to the point of exhaustion due to the fact some ignorant people had let me down and I only had a handful of people to help me pull off this massive event. I am so grateful to those who turned up and were rushed off their feet helping me to plan the evening, but I couldn’t hide my disappointment at those who failed to show up (and didn’t even call to explain why). But those handful of people were so amazing that it didn’t matter.

The fashion show went down a storm and my models looked beautiful. The evening was a massive blur if I am honest. Trying to get round to speak to everyone proved harder than I thought and I can only apologise if you came and didn’t get near me! I tried my best to thank everyone for their help and for coming along but I wish I could have had more time to see everyone. Please know that I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support.

We had a raffle, auction, live music amongst other things and I think everyone went home happy and had a great time. I couldn’t believe the final sum we had raised, over £5000. I only dreamed of raising that much so I am really proud of everyone’s hard work to pull off a great night and raise such an amazing amount.

I think it’s fair to say I am absolutely exhausted and drained this week. I haven’t worked so hard for a very long time, but it was so important to me that I don’t mind a few days of pain and exhaustion. I am in desperate need of a rest but as some of you may know, the aftermath of a fundraiser requires more work in the form of thank you letters, press interviews etc which I am more than happy to do. I know that when all of that is out of the way I will be sad that the months of organising my event have come to an end. I feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing group of friends, some of which travelled a long way to be there. I am going to shut up now because this is starting to sound like an award winner’s speech! No awards for me, just the reward that maybe those who were there or who have read about my story may have a little bit more of an understanding of arthritis in young people. Thank you and goodnight.

I don't know if you've seen my comment on the fb page. I just wanted to say a massive thank you and well done for all your hard work. I know what difficult it is to raise money, particularly at the moment.

My name is Sally and I have RA. I am on the regional committee in Central England; Phillip told us about your achievement at today’s meeting and believe me it is so appreciated by everyone. It was a shame you couldn’t make it but we all understand that you probably had a massive day on Saturday and probably need to rest for the next month to get over it!

I was hoping to make it on Saturday but I haven’t been too well myself and it was quite a drive for me so I’m sorry I couldn’t come in the end.

I so wish i could've been there! I live in london and was dying to go but couldnt get there (was planning on a road trip but it just went wrong lol)glad you had an amazing night and well done with raising all the money you did for Arthritis Care! they are an amazing charity and deserve everything they get! You did truley amazing! well done again and love your blog!!S x

All About Me

At the age of 22 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I did not know much about the disease but it seemed my life would never be the same again. After months of despair, loosing a loved one and giving up my dream job I am finally coming to terms with my condition. I realised that I am not alone and with the help of incredibly supportive family and friends I can live a normal life and will not be beaten by this. I hope in reading my stories you too those who have been diagnosed will realise you are not alone and those who know someone will get an idea of how their friend/relative may be feeling and the challenges we face. Now 24, I am ready to share my story with you beautiful people (be ready for one hell of a rollercoaster ride!)